New location-based technology provides better accuracy for first responders

 

In April of 2021, a local mother found herself in a heart wrenching situation when her nine-month-old daughter suffered a seizure in their newly built home.  

Faced with a medical emergency, she dialed 911.  

But what unfolded next revealed a glaring flaw in the emergency response system. 

“I So I had to call 911 in April of 2021, when my daughter Annie was having a seizure on our living room floor,” said Katie Bell. 

When a medical emergency, fire, or the need for police assistance arises, dialing 911 is often the first instinct.  

Every passing minute and second becomes crucial, as timing can mean the difference between life and death.  

But what happens when emergency responders cannot locate you? 

“She told me that that address didn't exist,” Katie told me. 

Katie bell, a mother of three who recently moved into a newly constructed home, was taken aback when the 911 operator struggled to find her address.  

With her infant in distress, her focus was solely on providing aid.  

The last thing she wanted was to direct first responders to her location. 

“I just started saying all of these locations around me. And then finally, I gave the location of my neighbors who have been here for three years before we moved in. And then they were able to find us.” 

Cell phones now account for almost 80 percent of all 911 calls nationwide.  

However, in the past first responders could only determine your location based on the nearest cell tower, which could be miles away from where you were standing.  

Now, AT&T claims to have a solution. 

AT&T asserts that their location-based technology can pinpoint your exact location when you call 911, with an accuracy of 55 yards. That's Equivalent to about half a football field.  

This advancement is touted as a game changer in situations where seconds make all the difference. 

“Now through route tracking technology and GPS, we've now managed to get it down within a not half a football field location. So, makes for much more effective response time and much quicker response time on behalf of emergency personnel,” Joshua said. 

Joshua Derse is assistant store manager at the Ireland road location in south bend. 

Concerns regarding privacy and data security are crucial when it comes to such technological advancements. 

“It is protected. It never traverses the open Internet. And location-based routing only works when a caller dials 911. And then information is sent privately to a 911 call center,” Joshua said. 

With the assurance of privacy protection and the convenience of precise location tracking -it seems this new technology is bringing peace of mind to individuals like Katie Bell. 

“My mind feels at ease just that they can ping my cell phone and know exactly where our house is.”